Amidst the melodic strains of soulful music, the Beating Retreat ceremony, a venerable tradition marking the conclusion of Republic Day celebrations, unfolded at Vijay Chowk in the heart of the national capital on Monday. The Raisina Hills resonated with captivating and foot-tapping Indian tunes, skillfully performed by military and paramilitary bands.


President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, graced the occasion arriving in a traditional 'buggy,' adding a touch of old-world charm to the event, whose roots date back to the early 1950s. The distinguished gathering included Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and several union ministers, along with the general public.













Lt Col Vimal Joshi served as the principal conductor of the ceremony, while Subedar Major Moti Lal, MCPO MUS II M Antony, and Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar conducted the Army, Navy, and Air Force bands, respectively. Constable GD Ranidevi led the CAPF band, and Naib Subedar Umesh Kumar directed the buglers, with Subedar Major Rajender Singh guiding the pipes and drums band.






The colours of the Tiranga also adorned the North and South blocks, the Old and New Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhavan.


All Indian Tunes At Beating Retreat Ceremony


A Defence Ministry statement on Sunday revealed that a total of 31 Indian tunes would be played across the Raisina Hills during the Beating Retreat ceremony. The bands from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) enthralled the viewers with tunes such as 'Veer Bharat,' 'Sangam Dur,' 'Deshon ka Sartaj Bharat,' 'Bhagirathi,' and 'Arjuna.'


The ceremony commenced with the massed band's 'Shankhnaad' tune, setting the tone for an evening filled with musical patriotism. The CAPF bands contributed to the melodic repertoire with renditions of 'Bharat Ke Jawan' and 'Vijay Bharat,' among others.


The Indian Air Force band presented tunes like 'Tiger Hill,' 'Rejoice in Raisina,' and 'Swadeshi.' Meanwhile, the Indian Navy band showcased their musical prowess with renditions including 'INS Vikrant,' 'Mission Chandrayaan,' 'Jai Bharati,' and 'Hum Tayyar Hain.'


The Indian Army band, with tunes like 'Faulad Ka Jigar,' 'Agniveer,' 'Kargil 1999,' and 'Taqat Watan,' added a historical and patriotic dimension to the ceremony. The massed bands collectively performed iconic tunes like 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja,' 'Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon,' and 'Drummers Call.'


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Beating Retreat Ceremony


The 'Beating Retreat' ceremony, with its origins dating back to the early 1950s, pays homage to a centuries-old military tradition. Major Roberts of the Indian Army developed the unique ceremony, symbolizing the end of hostilities as troops withdrew from the battlefield at sunset, sheathing their arms. The event concludes with the poignant notes of 'Sare Jahan Se Acha,' evoking nostalgia for times gone by.


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